By Daniel P. Tapaoan, Jr. 

To further promote locally-made media materials, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte granted the Mariano Marcos State University authority to utilize PGIN-produced films and other audio-visual materials for educational purposes. 

Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc handed over the certificate of award to MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis yesterday, February 2, at the Provincial Capitol Building in Laoag City, during the kick-off of Ilocos Norte’s 205th Foundation Anniversary Celebration. 

The certificate grants the university free access and use of various media products created by PGIN, such as, films produced for the annual Tan-Ok ni Ilokano Festival, documentary films, tourism marketing materials, PGIN-produced music, and other materials which are deemed useful for academic activities.     

University President Agrupis expressed gratitude to Governor Manotoc for the partnership, saying, “Local media products are being excellently produced now here in Ilocos Norte, thus, these will enrich instructional delivery on communication, culture and the arts, and other relevant fields.” 

She further highlighted with many MMSU-grown creative talents, and with the massive support from the provincial government, “we can produce and cascade Ilokano ingenuity and artistry in the academe.” It can be noted faculty members and students of MMSU shine in local, national and even international film festivals.

During the event, President Agrupis was joined by MMSU Laoag campus executive director Eliza Samson, Graduate School dean Doreen Domingo, College of Industrial Technology dean Cesario Pacis, and College of Teacher Education film and theater director James Ventura III. The awarding was witnessed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan members. 

Greeting the province on its founding anniversary, MMSU, as a key partner of the provincial government in sustainable development, vows commitment in helping transform Ilokano communities, and in holding high the green and gold to banner Ilokano greatness. (HLY/JVBT, StratCom)